Speaking to TVnewser on Thursday, Sean Hannity confirmed that “Ed Henson, a highly decorated retired NYPD detective, who was also a 9/11 and Flight 587 first responder, is a second cousin of mine,”

Hannity was contacted by TVnewser following a tip they received stating that Henson was related to him. Henson, owner of the St. Lucie shooting center in Port St Lucie, Fla., was asked for comment earlier this week regarding his sale of guns to Mateen.

Advertisement - story continues below

Related Stories

“An evil person came in here and legally purchased two firearms from us … and if he hadn’t purchased them from us, I’m sure he would’ve gotten them from another local gun store in the area,” Henson said.

Henson, who is retired from the NYPD, lives in Florida where he owns and operates his firearms business. He is currently working with the ATF, which is investigating the transaction.

Hannity is confident his cousin did nothing illegal.

Advertisement - story continues below

“All indications are that he followed the Florida state law as a licensed dealer and the ATF has also acknowledged that no laws were broken,” he said.

Regardless of how Mateen got the guns, Hannity believes we must focus on those who suffered as a result of the attack.

“As I have been saying for days, my prayers and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all of the victims.”